Alexander the Great

death

323

On 10 June 323 BC, Alexander the Great died in the palace of Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon, one month short of turning 33. The reason for his death is still unknown and varying theories have been proposed for the same. The popular ones include poisoning by the sons of Antipater, a Macedonian general, a sickness following his excessive alcohol consumption or a relapse of the malaria he had contracted in 336 BC.

The life of Alexander the Great

Period: 323 to 356

Troops Mutiny at Opis

324

On his way back to Macedon, Alexander executed several non-compliant military generals and satraps to set an example. At Susa, he took Stateira II, the daughter of King Darius, as another wife. Alexander also paid off the debts of his soldiers, and announced that he would send the aged and disabled veterans back to Macedonia. However, this move was misinterpreted by his troops, who mutinied in the town of Opis, refusing to be sent back.

Battle of the Hydaspes River

326

Alexander crossed the Indus river and fought an epic battle against the local ruler, Porus, who ruled the region of Punjab. This battle is known as the Battle of Hydaspes. It is believed that after the battle, Alexander was greatly impressed by Porus and therefore made an alliance with him, letting him continue his reign over the northwest regions of India (Then called Bharat). Alexander lost his horse, Bucephalus, in this battle and hence named one of the two new cities that he founded as Bucep

Marriage to Roxana

327

Alexander married Roxana, who was the daughter of a Bactrian named Oxyartes of Balkh in Bactria. Roxana was 16 at the time of the marriage, and accompanied him on his Indian campaign.

Battle of Gaugamela

330

The battle of Gaugamela, fought between Alexander and Darius III, was also a remarkable one. Gaugamela was located in northern Iraq, near present-day Arbil. On the open plains, Darius deployed the full force of his 100,000 soldiers. With an army of just 47,000, he attacked the center of the Persian formation. Relying on cavalry to protect his flanks, Alexander attacked Darius' position and won the battle of Gaugamela.

Foundation of Alexandria

331

Alexander founded over 20 cities by the name of Alexandria. Most of them were east of the Persian empire, but the first was founded in Egypt. The various Alexandrias were situated on important trade routes, or crucial defensive locations. Several years after his death, many Alexandrias were flourishing, housing Greek as well as native population. Several, including the first, Egyptian Alexandria, Iskandariya in Iraq, Kandahar (shortened from Iskandahar) in Afghanistan are still major cities.
Rea

The Siege of Tyre

332

The city of Tyre was renowned to be almost impregnable owing to its location, with mammoth surrounding walls, a fortified harbor and water all around. The citizens of Tyre fought desperately till the end and after a seven-month siege, Alexander the Great conquered Tyre.

Battle of Issus against Darius

333

In the battle of Issus, around 30,000 Greeks faced 100,000 Persians across the river Pinarus, near the town of Issus. In this battle, Parmenion led the Greek left while Alexander led the right, which held the Macedonian cavalry. This battle once again proved Alexander's tactical brilliance.
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Battle of the Granicus River

334

The battle was fought between Alexander and Darius III of Persia. The battle of Granicus was the first of three major victories over the Persian Army, the third of which culminated in Darius' assassination and the end of the Persian Empire.

death of King Philip 2nd

336

Alexander the great was twenty when his father was assassinated by one of his bodyguards. Legend has it that the assassination was planned by Olympia, Alexander's mother and Philip's wife, in an attempt to make Alexander the king.

Birth

356

Born at Pella, Macedonia, to King Philip II and Olympias

Battle of Chaeronea

Mar 2, 2022

At the age of eighteen, Alexander fought alongside his father at the battle of Chaeronea in which Philip II defeated the Athenians and Thebans. He capably controlled the left flank of the Macedonian army.